A Grace FULL Life

We live in a society that is all about rewarding performance. Work hard and "earn" it. Of course, that's not always a BAD thing. After all, God discourages idleness (Proverbs 19:15). However, we sometimes try too hard or take it too far. This is particularly true in the case of God's grace. It's hard for us to understand because accepting God's love and free gift of salvation doesn't compute. We think we have to "earn" our right to heaven by doing the right things, following all the rules, and living up to an impossible standard of perfection.

God's Word says that it's our faith in the GRACE of God that saves us, not our works (Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace has nothing to do with US and EVERYTHING to do with HIM. It's all about the cross; His sacrifice, His blood. If we could save ourselves through our own works, then Christ died for nothing and we would need no Savior (Galatians 2:21). Do we "deserve" it? No. Does He give it anyways? Yes! Why? Because He loves us; He's a compassionate and gracious God (Psalm 86:15) and His thoughts towards us outnumber the sand!

Our pastor, Larry Sprinkle, listed three ways that God's grace will benefit our lives:

1. God's saving grace removes guilt. - Through the blood of Christ, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9). His abounding grace cleanses us of our sin and He removes them as far as the east is from the west. Think about how far removed that is. Not across the street. Not in the next state. From the furthest east to the furthest west (Psalm 103:11-12). It's gone; like that Casting Crowns song (this YouTube video I found is amazing!).

2. God's strengthening grace reshapes our lives. - His grace gives us strength and sustains us! It fuels us and brings confidence and peace to our hearts that is indescribable! Only God can do that! No amount of self-help from any guru or "enlightenment" can ever compare to God's grace! (Hebrews 13:9).

3. God's sustaining grace removes our hurt. - This is a big one for all of us because everyone gets wounded from time to time. His grace covers us; we are weak but He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). We just need to allow Him to heal our hearts or the wounds will fester and poison us; resulting in becoming toxic to ourselves and others (Hebrews 12:15). Don't be bitter, be BETTER!

GRACE and peace to you, my friends! In closing, watch the video below by "The Skit Guys". It was featured in church and I have also posted about them before (I just can't find the post for some reason lol). They have a real talent for illustrating Biblical concepts! Lay down your pride, surrender, and accept from God what you can't attain on your own. Be infused...with STRENGTH and GRACE! God bless you!

As Innumerable as the Sand...

It's always great when someone gives you a wonderful analogy to wow you and boggle your brain! Today, in worship service, our stand-in for our regular worship leader presented us with some great food for thought. Sand. Yes, sand....like the beaches of warmer places (Spring, where are you...really?). He showed us a big cup full of sand; explaining that he attempted to count a few grains (about a pinch). He asked us to imagine how many pinches of sand might be in that container and gave us a few ballpark figures. Obviously, there's no way to count all the grains of sand; nor all the grains of sand on one beach, many beaches, the ocean floor, or the dessert. But my goodness, it's astounding to think of!

Now, consider this verse that  he referenced to us. It's in Psalm 139:18 (the whole Psalm is really amazing, by the way): "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." God has that many thoughts toward us; about me, about YOU, about every single person! Innumerable! Indescribable! Can we even think even a fraction of that many amazing thoughts about ourselves (or about any person) in one day or  even a lifetime? THAT is how extravagant He is and how GREAT His love towards us is! It's hard to fathom, yet it just makes you feel so awed and favored by the Creator of the universe when you think about it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! You are loved; by the God of all creation! He is crazy about you and sent His son to die for you; taking the place of your sins and eternal separation from Him so He wouldn't have to be without you for eternity (so long as you freely choose to accept His sacrifice and want to be with Him - love always gives a choice). Think about that this week! Be infused! God bless you!

The Health and Weight-Loss Secret

It's been almost a month now since I've been on Shakeology again. Since my own personal reboot, I have noticed some positive changes in myself! I have lost several pounds and have been happily experiencing the rejuvenating effects of my "magic flower". My chronic fatigue, aches and pains, allergies, and digestive issues are continually fading as my body welcomes the complete nutrition of Shakeology and my energy and endurance levels increase. My sometimes overwhelming urges to eat (including food cravings and sweet tooth) are also disappearing once again. I feel stabilized, self-controlled, and able to just enjoy food when I'm actually hungry rather than just eating whenever I feel like it due to random desires to eat. Words just can't express the difference that I feel in myself; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Shakeololgy is just too easy! If there ever was a a health and weight-loss secret (or secret weapon) THIS is it! Of course, this is one secret that is meant to be shared! I'm not tight lipped about it lol!

As if that weren't enough, getting back into the workout groove is helping a lot as well! I have just finished my third week of Les Mills Combat (which is still on sale until the end of the month). I'm building strength, endurance, and becoming more fit; and LOVING IT! With prayer, the nutrition in Shakeology, and the aid of some Results and Recovery Formula, I'm persevering through these intense workouts! All glory to God because through Him, I'm accomplishing what I need to do! Believe me, there are MANY days where I just want to skip working out or mixing up Shakeology because I don't "feel like it". Then, I just pray and ask for the wisdom and strength to make the right choices and "stay with the fight" (and He provides it)!

Personal success makes me all the more driven to keep pressing onward toward the prize of a healthier life. It also further motivates me to share it with others! By now, most people have heard me talk about Team Beachbody programs and Shakeology so much that they are probably sick of it. Understandable. It's hard not to sound like a broken record, but I don't know anyone who can shut up about something that they're truly passionate about!! When you find something that works, you can't help but spread the word and hope to help someone else that wants to accomplish that same goal! THAT is why I do what I do; for me, and for YOU! I continue to do the programs, drink Shakeology, and be a Team Beachbody coach because I wouldn't stand behind someone or something that I didn't believe in or have personal experience with. Just like my faith in Christ, I want to keep putting all of this out there for people to see so that their lives can be just as blessed! Reaching my goals (and encouraging/helping others to reach theirs) is the ultimate satisfaction; more than any commission I earn. It's PRICELESS! Anyone who knows me knows my heart and that I yearn to be supportive and motivate others to success!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! I really hope that anyone who reads this will know that anything is possible through Christ! What He does in me (and what can be done through Him) can happen for you too! I would LOVE to be your coach and help you experience your own success story! Join Infusion 413! It's FREE! Click here and sign up at the top of this page and we'll work together on making a plan for success! I can't wait to have you on my team! Also, don't forget that if you refer someone else to the team (and they join) you'll be entered into my $25.00 Team Beachbody e-gift card drawing! You'll also get entries if you make a Shakeology purchase. Remember, you have a few options for purchasing Shakeology (and getting it at a discounted price if you become a coach). Please read this post for more information on the drawing (you only have until the end of the month to enter! That's just a few days away!). Contact me if you ever have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!